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This month celebrates 25 years of NAMS – The North American Menopause Society. To celebrate, they have published a ‘Special Feature’ in the The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, which could help change the way that physicians and health care professionals treat menopause, for the better.

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), one of the largest internationally recognized professional communities addressing health issues during Menopause, has published a comprehensive study on Menopause and it’s symptoms, officially stating that menopause is a physiological health issue, and detailing all the areas where menopause can affect the average menopausal female.

This is fantastic news for menopausal women everywhere and a great step forward in finding specific and effective ways to treat the changes that Menopause brings. The paper is based on an earlier book published by NAMS in 2000, and is publicly available on the NAMS website for all to read.

Just some of the changes talked about in the study include: skin care, hair care, mood swings, increased risk of osteoporosis, and sleep disturbance – just to name a few!

The paper, which has been published in The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, will now be used as an official guide for medical and healthcare professionals everywhere for clinical recommendations to the care of their menopausal patients – a huge break through for Menopause and women everywhere.

The paper was published to celebrate 25th anniversary of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and we expect to see great things from the healthcare and medical community following the publication of this insightful feature.

For more information on how to address skin concerns during menopause, visit www.stratumc.com, where you will find advice and detailed information on the effects menopause can have on the skin, in additional to helpful tips on healthy nutrition through menopause. Plus, Stratum C products provide innovative skin care to improve skin health and give your skin a boost, when you need it most.

There has recently been a flurry of news articles stating that we should be wary of some beauty products which may contain chemicals such as phthalates. There are some chemicals that we come across everyday in the environment, plastics and other household items which have traces of harmful ingredients – but we want to reassure you that it is not likely that you will come across these in your beauty regime. Here’s why…

Ingredients such as DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), are banned from use in Cosmetics in the UK and the rest of the EU.

A recent study from Washington University School of Medicine found a link between a group of chemical ingredients and early menopause – which are sometimes known as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can be found in some household products, but these are more likely to be strong cleaning products, than the type you lather onto your skin.

In the US, it is not illegal to use substances like DEHP in cosmetics, however these products would not be allowed to be sold in the EU due to the regulations currently in place. When talking to Cosmetics Design, Dr Chris Fowler – Director General of CTPA said, “DEHP is not expressly forbidden in the US and so it is possible some companies continue to use it, though companies making the same product for the US and EU could not do so because DEHP is expressly forbidden in the EU.”

Flower continues, “At no time do the authors of the study draw a link between their findings and ingredients in make-up and personal care products, as suggested in some of the alarming headlines.”

A senior author from the study, Amber Cooper, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, said, “This study doesn’t prove causation, but the associations raise a red flag and support the need for further research.” 15 of the 111 chemicals tested, showed the need for further investigation.

The findings do however, bring to light the concerns over cosmetic production and show that consumers should be made more aware of the implications of their purchase. We have put together some tips to help make sure you can reduce the contact you have with harmful chemicals and make smart choices about your cosmetic products.

1. Read the ingredients lists on every cosmetic product you buy. If you are unsure about a particular ingredient and want to find out more about the impact it will have on your skin and body, visit the EWG Cosmetics database which is the largest cosmetics and ingredients database. http://www.ewg.org

2. Be careful where and who you buy your products from. Make sure that the company you buy from have recommendations and good reviews in the media, or from secondary retailers or consumers. Buy your cosmetics from reliable sources and if you are unsure about a product or company, look them up online. If you choose to buy products outside of the EU, check the ingredients list before you buy.

3. When you are using household products – make sure you wear gloves to minimise the direct contact with chemicals on the skin as these can be absorbed and cause possible health issues. Always follow the safety and storage advice on the container.

4. Recycle, but do not re-use. Some types of plastic container can contain chemicals which filter into your food and drink when left under heated conditions. Avoid re-heating food in plastic containers, and do not re-use drink’s bottles that have been exposed to heat.

5. Do not put plastic in your mouth. Some types of plastic until recently, were still used in the making of children’s toys, for example, and some of us may take to chewing on accessories like bits of stationery, where we can absorb the nasty chemicals.

6. Know your chemicals. By educating yourself on what’s good or bad for your body, you can avoid any nasty trips to the doctor. For example, not all phthalates are harmful and whilst some phthalates may be found in lipstick, they will not be the harmful type that may also be found in toilet cleaner. Not all man-made chemicals are bad for you, but there may still be some that you would rather avoid.

All ingredients in Stratum C Menopause Skin Care products are available on the website. Visit http://www.stratumc.com or feel free to contact Forme Laboratories for any more information regarding the products and ingredients. All Stratum C products are phthalate, paraben, DHA, BHA, BHT, formaldehyde and MI free and use only the gentlest of preservatives.

Hyaluronic Acid is known by many names – Hyaluron, Hyaluronan, ‘HA’ and Sodium Hyaluronate. It’s reputation for being ‘the anti-ageing miracle ingredient’ in recent years has made it a must have for beauty buff’s and skin care companies alike. It … Continue reading →

As we all know, menopause can bring with it many unwanted symptoms. Most notably, what we like to call ‘power surges’ that can make it feel like you have just run through a burning fire pit. Though during the winter … Continue reading →

Our hands are often one of the first signs of ageing and get put through all sorts of tasks on a daily basis which can cause them to become dry and damaged. We have put together a 10 step guide … Continue reading →

As we prepare to introduce our fabulous new hand and nail care product, we thought it would be good to round up the best hand and nail care tips as we approach the cold Winter.

Hands are often the first sign of ageing. Over time they become worn and the prolonged exposure to the elements can take its toll.

Stratum C have created a fabulous and unique hand and nail care product – the Complete 4 Total Hand Care Cream, addressing all aspects of hand care by combining scientifically proven ingredients which conquer age spots, wrinkles, sun damage and nail strengthening – all in one revolutionary new cream.

The formulation has been developed and produced in the UK over the past year by Forme Laboratories and uses a combination of ingredients which will make your hands feel revived, refreshed and renewed. There are 4 main targets that this cream addresses – skin ageing, age or ‘liver spots’ caused by hyper-pigmentation, nail strengthening and protecting your skin from the sun – the first product in the Stratum C line to combine SPF into their moisturiser.

SPF comes in many different forms and Stratum C has previously not included SPF ingredients due to the desire to keep the products simple and sensitive to problematic menopausal skin. Often, sun protection ingredients can become irritant to sensitive skin or have negative side effects, but the new Complete 4 cream uses ingredients that avoid the use of parabens and oxybenzone, commonly used in sun creams which can cause irritation to the skin. Complete 4 will protect your skin from 88% UV rays, whilst also helping to boost nail strength, collagen and reduce dark spots.

A revolutionary new ingredient called TEGO Cosmo has been included to break down age spots and prevent them from returning. This scientifically component suppresses the enzyme in your skin, Tyrosinase, helping to break down the build up of melanin which causes age spots to form. This ingredient has been shown to be more effective than Kojic acid and does not carry the dangerous carcinogen properties related to overuse of skin lightening elements like Hydroquinone.

Complete 4 also contains Matrixyl 3000 – the collagen boosting peptides which are used in Stratum C’s core product range, the Protect Cream and Repair Serum. Over time and as your oestrogen levels begin to subside, so does your collagen, which can have a devastating effect on skin ageing. Matrixyl has been shown to boost collagen levels by 70% when used over a 28 day period and continues to improve the longer you use it.

Complete 4 also uses Keratin Amino Acids to help strengthen nails and condition the skin by replenishing levels of naturally occurring Keratin proteins, which are essential for maintaining a healthy structure for skin and nails.

For locking in moisture and making your hands soft and gentle, we have also included Shea Butter for its skin conditioning and moisturising properties, and Manketti Nut Oil – which is commonly used in sun protection, body butters and balms to protect the skin.

We have put together a list of everyday tips to help you make the most of caring for your hands and prevent further damage through exposure to the elements:

Always wear gloves when cleaning and washing up – having your hands in water for prolonged periods of time can cause the skin to become dry – try putting on moisturiser before you put your gloves on and afterwards to lock in the moisturising ingredients

Always wear gloves when it is cold – the cold can have a huge negative impact on hands as they are constantly being exposed to the outdoors

Moisturise regularly – and after every time your hands come into contact with water

Try to eat more fatty acids to improve overall skin health such as oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds

Age or Liver spots and hyperpigmentation, are caused by a number of contributing factors. This article will look at why they appear and how to protect your skin.

What are age spots and how are they formed?

Age or liver spots are an inevitable side effect of the ageing process. They are caused by melanin or Lipofuscin synthesis in the skin, which is made worse by exposure to UV light. The production of this pigment is controlled by an enzyme in the skin called Tyrosinase.

One of the most well-known and more prominent causes of age spots is sun damage. We are by now all very familiar with the terms UVA, UVB and SPF – but what do all these letters mean? Sunlight is made up of several types of light; Visible light is the white light spectrum that makes up the largest proportion of sunlight; Infrared light is invisible radiant energy with a longer wavelength than that of the red wavelength on the visible spectrum, hence the name Infrared; Ultraviolet (UV) light contains 3 wavelengths – UVA, UVB and UVC which are shorter than that of the violet wavelength on the visible spectrum, hence the name Ultra Violet.

But what do they all do?

Ultra Violet light is made up of A, B and C rays, each have different properties and are defined by their wavelengths. UV light makes up a small portion of the sun’s radiation.

UVC – has the shortest wavelength and is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere and so very little reaches the earth’s surface.

UVB – is the mid range wavelength and also greatly absorbed into the atmosphere, which along with UVC rays is responsible for the phytochemical reaction that lead to the production of the ozone layer. UVB rays are harmful to the skin and can cause sunburn. However, UVB also promotes Vitamin D production within the body.

UVA – has the longest wavelength of UV and was once thought to be less damaging to skin. For this reason, it is the light which is used in tanning beds and light therapy for psoriasis. However, more recently, UVA has been found to damage the skin, directly and indirectly (via free radicals) and is a contributing cause of skin cancer. However UVA also promotes low blood pressure by increasing the body’s level of nitric oxide and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Infrared light is responsible for the heat energy that we feel from the sun and is linked to treating medical conditions in areas of physiotherapy and mental health. Infrared is not harmful unless you are exposed to industrial quantities. It is commonly used in many everyday tasks including fiber optics, thermal imaging, night vision and in healthcare treatments.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, admissions for skin cancers are rising and some scientists believe that this could be related to the increased level of UV rays penetrating the thinning ozone layer, therefore making us more vulnerable to sun exposure. However, a simpler explanation could be because many people are also not taking the necessary precautions in the sun.

How can we prevent sun exposure that leads to age spots and potentially, skin cancer?

Firstly, avoid tanning booths. They have now been banned in many countries as they immediately pose a threat of skin cancer. Too much tanning can cause age spots to form more easily and so the easy way to avoid this is to limit your exposure to UV light.

Try not to get sunburn. There are now a wide selection of products on the market today which all vary in SPF (Sun Protection Factor) levels for the desired level of protection. For example, factor 15 is commonly used as it protects from 93% of harmful UV rays. However factor 50 protects from 98% and is highly recommended to those who have paler, more vulnerable skin, such as small children. More commonly today, can you also find make up products which act as an SPF once applied.

Up your in take of Vitamin C. Studies have shown that high levels of Vitamin C which is rich in anti-oxidants, can help break down the enzyme in the skin which causes age spots to form and also protect you from free radicals. This can also be found in Stratum C Pigment Correction Gel.

Apply your sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before you go outside. This is equally as important in winter, as you are still being exposed to sunlight.

Use Stratum C Pigment Correction Gel – a unique combination of several powerful active but natural ingredients which helps to reduce the appearance of existing spots and prevent new ones from forming. Vitamin C is combined with natural Bellis Perennis Extract which have been shown in clinical trials to reduce the production of Tyrosinase by 50%. Additionally an extract of olive leaves called Oleuropin is included which has been proven to both prevent the formation of Lipofuscin and to reduce the appearance of existing age spots. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid for intense moisturisation which helps to improve collagen synthesis and fight ageing. The Vitamin C content also provides fantastic antioxidant protection, as mentioned above. This gel leaves a wonderful sheen on your skin and tingles a little, so you know the ingredients are really working. It should ideally be applied 3 times a day and is recommended for the face and hands, which spend more time in the sunlight. For more information on this product, please visit www.stratumc.com.

If you have concerns about age spots or skin cancer, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional. We have also included some helpful links below for more information. Follow our #30daysofautumnskin campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, starting 1st October 2014.

Our eyes are an invaluable part of our body. They are the first thing people look at when they see us, and the focal point of our faces, so keeping them looking their best can be very important.

During menopause, symptoms such as night sweats and insomnia can take their toll on your eyes. Below are a few ways to prevent tired eyes, in addition to the launch of our NEW Stratum C Vitality Eye Serum.

Eating an iron rich diet – green leaves, legumes and dark chocolate. Iron deficiency could be a cause of dark under eye circles.

Don’t over pluck your eyebrows – thinning eyebrows is often a sign of ageing and can draw attention to the areas you would rather it didn’t…

Limit your salt in take – the daily recommended intake of salt is 6g per day. Too much salt can cause water retention around the eye area.

Edible eye patches – Most people like to use cucumber as an eye pad to help reduce puffiness, but it is also thought that sweet potatoes make a great eye remedy as they are full of anti-oxidants. Place a slice over the eye for 10 minutes in the morning after applying your Vitality Eye Serum.

Mascara – by making your eyelashes look longer, it will open up your eyes and stop them looking so tired. Use an eye lash curler over your mascara to get even more volume.

Make up – get a good primer to help fill in any lines before you apply any powder to the eye lid. Use your favourite concealer to cover up the under eye area, to smooth the skin and create an even skin tone.

Eye pencil – darker eye liner can exaggerate crow’s feet so try using darker eye pencil just above the upper eye lashes, and a lighter or white pencil to highlight the lower inner eye corners to brighten any darker areas.

Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated can improve the condition of your skin and help improve the circulation around the eye.

Get the right amount of sleep – too little sleep will make you tired – but too much sleep is also not good – try getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours per night. See our tips on #30daysofsleepingwell on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Always remove your make up before bed – leaving your make up on can damage your lashes and clog your pores leading to problem skin. Use Stratum C Gentle Cleanser which uses Rose Hip Seed oil and makes for a gentle, but thorough cleanse and is great for removing make up.

Teabag treatment – use a cold green or chamomile tea bag to rest on the eye morning or evening which can help to relieve puffiness.

Now you are fully equipped for tackling tired eyes. You can also follow our social network campaigns on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, where everyday we post useful tips for ways to relieve menopause symptoms. Follow us to keep updated with daily tips and also look up our previous campaign #30daysofkeepingcool and our current one, #30daysofsleepingwell.

If you have any questions about Stratum C, please get in touch via our website www.stratumc.com. Or by calling us on +44 (0) 1252 267950.

The Benefits of Aloe Vera

We have all heard of Aloe Vera, the plant used for its therapeutic properties and popularly used as a natural emollient, due to it being gentle, calming and soothing making it the perfect choice for skincare. Aloe, or ‘Aloe Barbadensis’, is full of nutritional benefits for your body and very popular amongst skin care manufacturers as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. It is also a perfect astringent, making Aloe the essential ingredient for a toner due to its deep cleaning, hydrating, moisturising and rejuvenating effects.

With so many choices out there, it can be difficult choosing which skin care product is best for you. Having the right levels of Aloe Vera and other active and natural ingredients in your skincare regime will make all the difference.

Aloe has mild healing qualities and is also known to kill bacteria, and when used as part of a skin toner, it delivers all the benefits into freshly cleansed skin.

Toners gently close the pores, so using Aloe will confidently leave the skin perfectly clean, nourished and healed. Aloe Vera has properties which allow it to reach deeper body tissues, taking all the nutrients of the Aloe into the skin. It also helps to retain moisture in damaged tissue; the penetrating power of Aloe allows water and other moisturisers to sink deeply into the skin, therefore also making it ideal to use before applying your face cream. Collagen is a big factor in preventing skin ageing during menopause and Aloe Vera has been found to increase the production of fibroblast cells, these are the cells responsible for for producing collagen and it has been known to increase by up to eight times as much as normal cell production.

Stratum C Calming Toner uses a high level of active ingredients to give you the highest quality products. As well as Aloe Vera, which gives it a natural green hue, it also contains Hyaluron, Papaya, Cucumber, Sage and Orange Flower which all help to enhance the delivery of Coenzyme Q10 into the dermis. CoQ10 is an important anti-oxidant ingredient used in our Calming Toner, this active ingredient will prevent dry skin, ageing and a dull complexion by powerfully combating free radicals. Stratum C Calming Toner compliments our existing Gentle Cleanser with Rose Hip Seed Oil, giving you a complete regime for beautifully clean skin. Use the toner morning and night, after cleansing to deeply clean the pores, remove make up and bacteria, leaving it soft and replenished.

To purchase the Calming Toner or any item from the Stratum C Menopause Skin Care range, please visit www.stratumc.com.

If you would like to be added to Stratum C’s mailing list to receive our free monthly newsletter, there are no obligations and we won’t share your details with anyone else, all you have to do is sign up using the link below. We look forward to sending you lots of helpful information, please click on the link and fill in your details – http://eepurl.com/MKAUj.